Student’s Christmas presents total will add festive cheer for hospital patients

A University student has been a busy, ‘helpful elf’, adding to a University of Northampton (UON) charitable Christmas presents donation drive.

Over two weeks Faye Agambar, who is in the second year of her degree in Creative TV, Film and Digital Media Production, set up a collection point at the University and collected gifts from friends and family.

Her final collection total tipped 100 presents and more, as Faye explains: “I collected a variety of gifts suitable for all ages, from selection boxes and chocolate coins to hats, socks, gloves, slippers, puzzle books and a variety of toys for children, playing cards and toiletry sets. And with the cash donations, I shopped for even more gifts.

“I was thrilled with the number of donations I collected. Collecting just over £200 worth of gifts for Northampton Health Charity this Christmas felt incredible. I was so excited to hand in the donations as I knew they would be so grateful for all the donations and to see the generosity of our community. I knew all the gifts were going to such a great cause, and I feel super proud to be a part of it. Thank you to everyone who helped create a merrier Christmas.”

Faye’s total has been combined with an overarching festive initiative from NLive Radio, which has collected just under 600 presents (see image below).

The local radio station is part of the University’s Changemaker team and has been running its Christmas presents appeal to make sure those in need do not go without on Christmas day. They’ve been working in partnership with local community groups* and Archways Real Estate.

Martin Steers, NLive Radio Station Manager Said; “It’s been a dream of mine to run a Christmas Present appeal for a few years and this year seemed right as there are so many in need this year.

“We’ve been blown away by the level of donations and have far exceeded our expectations as to how many people we would be able to support without community partners, who are also so thankful to see the levels of support from the people of Northampton.

“I thank everyone who has given to our appeal, our location drop-off points, and the team at Archways Real Estate for their support.”

*Full list of those involved

• Archways Real Estate
• Baby Basics Northampton
• The Doddridge Centre
• Family Support Link
• Northamptonshire Health Charity
• Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
• Re:Store
• Sainsburys at Sixfields
• The Spring Charity
• Starbucks.